Meet Jotham

 CORBAN'S POV

Standing in front of the restaurant, I wasn't any bit surprised at the elegance. It looked like an overbuilt flower shop on the outside.

I'm talking about flower-filled walls to wisteria-covered exteriors. Twinning Ivy on symmetrical pots and railing accented with a hanging planter painted with pink, orange, and red petunias. In addition, potted landscape grass also steals the spotlight.

The building was just as `flowerishʼ on the inside as it was on the outside. We had flowers imprinted wall designs, the table mats and menus also had a flowery touch, of course, there was a flower vase on each table. Completed with garlands on the neck of each staff member, including the doorman.

Despite its elegance, it wouldn't be my first choice for an evening meal. It might work out for a first date, but not when you're having a quick meal with your brother.

Talking about my brother, it was easy to spot him with his white-dyed hair, sitting in one of the window booths.

"Hey bro." I found my way to the table, taking the seat opposite his.

Without responding to my pleasantries, he dived into his question, "What took you so long?" Whining like a three-year-old, "I'm usually the impunctual one."

Well... I can't deny that. Have I mentioned that Jotham can't be punctual to save his life? Maybe. But, always remember that.

"Haha. I went to the movies earlier." Scratching the back of my neck, I left out the popcorn stealing part. And of course, I failed to mention that I spent a lot of time in the parking lot, eavesdropping on a conversation.

"Oh, what movie did you go to watch?"

Shit. I can't remember. "The sci-fi that just got released....." I trailed, shrugging it off.

He tilted his head, not suspecting a thing. "The one whose ratings have been skyrocketing?"

Nodding frantically, "Yup, that same one." I agreed without any doubt. That should be the same one.

"Was it good? I'm thinking of going to watch it. Maybe on Netflix though."

"It's good. On an average."I had still not gotten the scene out of my head. "The lady sitting beside me pointed out all their flaws. She made some good points too."

The way she continued to curse under her breath, and the way her sister {I think} kept shutting her up.

"She was criticizing the movie, despite being there like everybody else to watch it?"Jotham's mouth formed a thin line, as though he was there to witness the drama.

"Yeah. But she wasn't talking to me. I was just unfortunate to sit beside her" "I guess."

Even though he arched his brows, "Oh, I see." He let it go, not saying anything else.

"Anyways," I changed the conversation, "... how is mum?"

"She's fine. We have a family dinner on Sunday, keep it in mind. Plus, she complained that you haven't been coming to visit." His tone displayed his obvious disapproval of my actions, a conversation I knew was forthcoming.

"I've been busy." Using my typical excuse, "But, I'll try to make out some time."

Besides, I have an itching that if I didn't attend the dinner, she'll drag me out of my house. There'll be no room for excuses then.

"Busy doing what?" Typical Jotham, he saw through my excuse, narrowing his eyes. Tsk Tsk Tsk, Jotham the "FBI" agent, makes it so hard to lie.

But.....I was already a skilled liar, "Nothing of importance."

"Why don't you come back to the family business? There is a vacancy."

It was an opening for him to talk about the conversation I wasn't willing to have. It's monotonous to expect him to suggest an opening in the family business every single time. Too predictable.

"I already told you, Jotham, I don't want to work there." Speaking from the depth of my heart, "It's more like showbiz, and we both know I can't handle the spotlight."

I didn't need excuses this time, this is really how I feel.

"It's not showbiz. Just a movie production industry." One of the predictable things he does is trying to convince me. Of course, I always tend to turn him down. Every single time. It's our little brotherly dance.

"That's just one branch. How about the modeling agency? Then there's also the tech hub." I stated as a matter of fact.

The famous Right Industries is a chain. Not a chain per se but you get the point. Jotham runs the production company. I run the office of a librarian in the local library. Surprising right?

By just stating facts, "Mum runs the agency, Dad is the tech guy." He tried to counter my defense.

"And you run the production company. It's fine."

"I need some help." He didn't even sound sincere. It sounded more like a line for a script he had rehearsed. Jotham couldn't possibly need my help for anything.

A few years ago, he played the role of the main character in our book adaptation. Even then, without my help, he still ran the company perfectly well. Jotham is perfect.

There was more sincerity in my voice, "I doubt that."

"How about this." His fingers tapped the table, "You know about the new movie we're filming?"

"The one where the lovers die?"

"Yes. I didn't think you'll read the script."

I read every script.

Not getting any response from me, "Anyways, you can supervise the filming process. If you find it fun, maybe you can take up some other projects."

"What's there to supervise? We already have the directors, cast, and head of costumes."

"You are the general supervisor. Your eyes for details will be useful in this case."

"How many months will it take?"

"About six months, overall. Then the movie will be premiered in December."

"Hmmm...."

"Is that an ok?"

"No." I rolled my eyes, "It means I'm considering it."

"When you're done thinking, give me an answer. But I think you should think about it properly. We need you, Corban."

The last sentence was spoken with so much desperation that I wanted to take up the offer immediately.

"I already have a job." That I like to do. "It pays my bills pretty well." And I don't even have to be in any spotlight.

His fists connected with the table, "You are Corban Wright!!!"

Ignoring his fit of anger.

"I know that." And I also know that I've managed to stay under the radar for as long as possible. I don't need the spotlight. It will kill me {I exaggerate of course.}

"You belong in the Right Industries." It sounded more like an affirmation, coming from my brother.

Not hiding the humor in my voice, "Who came up with that name?"

"Dad." He noticed the humor I was making evident, "Mum came up with the motto."

"I'm not surprised."

We allowed ourselves the liberty of a brief moment of laughter. We both felt it was a ridiculous name, and a terrible pun. But, our parents thought otherwise.

It feels good to share the same opinion with a sibling. The joke hits differently. Plus, it was a good conversation changer.

After our laughter had been subdued, "By the way," He asked, "have you heard of Make - designs?"

"Make Designs? As in a fashion line?" It sounded vaguely familiar. Maybe I've seen their catalog or something.

"Yeah, something like that. They make designs and produce clothes."

"I think I've heard about it." There was a probability that I have. "But Jennie Lawson is doing well these days. Did you hire her?"

Jennie Lawson is easily giving every other designer a run for their money. Meanwhile, Right production is giving every other production house a run for their money.

A collaboration wouldn't be bad. I thought that would also be Jotham's line of thoughts.

Instead, he surprised me by saying, "No. I don't like Jennie, she looks like trouble."

"So you hired Make-Designs?"

No wonder he asked if I'd heard about it. His decision sounded final, and I knew there was also an explanation.

"Yeah. The CEO is Makena Anderson. It's currently small-scale, but her business seems to be doing fine. Plus, her outfits look casual." Pausing for a brief second, "We don't need something extravagant for this movie."

"Casual with finesse?" I asked trying not to talk about how I don't think it was a good idea to hire an amateur for the job of a professional.

"Yes, exactly."

"Hmmm...."

If you had looked at me at this moment, you would notice how my eyes widened as if I just witnessed an apocalypse.

Jotham noticed the change in my expression, "Is everything okay?" His voice was etched with both worry and confusion.

"Ye-yeah... It's fine"

How do I explain that the same people I met a few hours ago at the movies, came to this same restaurant? Not just that, they ended up taking the booth behind ours. It turns out that this was the restaurant they spoke about.

It sounded better to not bother explaining, so I didn't try to. Instead, I allowed myself to be comfortable with Makena's comfortable chatter. She was loud. Very loud.

Trailing off, "About my proposal...."

"Give me some time to think about it."

"Ok, but we are about to start filming. Make up your mind quickly."

Rolling my eyes, "I've heard you." I tried to humor him. Maybe or maybe I would not put his proposal into consideration. It's my choice at the end of the day.

"Do you want to eat anything?"

"Yeah. Let's call the waiter."

Snapping his fingers, one of them came running to our beck and call.